STACEY JOHNSON, the former director of conservation science operations for the San Diego Zoo, was recently named the new executive director for the
Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. Johnson replaces Dr. Jeremy Goodman, who departed the zoo in September 2021 to become the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s next CEO and president.
What about the zoo attracted you most in wanting to become its new leader?
Roger Williams Park Zoo has a track record of significant wildlife conservation leadership dating back decades, and our education programs are recognized throughout New England. We have a top-notch team that is respected throughout the profession, not to mention being a dedicated, caring and fun bunch of people. The zoo’s relationship with the people of Rhode Island is invigorating. I have worked in zoos around the country but have never before experienced such intense affection and support from everyone I meet.
What are your plans for the zoo as its director?
The zoo has a solid and ambitious master plan already in place, and among its successes is the amazing Faces of the Rainforest habitat. Moving forward, we will adapt that plan to continue upgrading our animal population and connect it to our conservation initiatives. That will include species you expect to see at the zoo, as well as some critters our guests might never have encountered before. We will emphasize animal welfare and guest service at every turn, and wrap educational moments in family-friendly experiences throughout every visit. The objective is to establish the zoo as a regional resource for conserving nature and to enhance its reputation as a destination.
Last year, the zoo set a new attendance record. How will it build on its success? Welcoming 835,000 guests through our gates in 2021 was a major milestone and we are grateful for the confidence that people place in us. The zoo was frugal during the pandemic and will continue to be careful using its resources. So, we are investing in renovations of several animal habitats and making improvements to behind-the-scenes facilities and equipment. We will also expand our team in a few key areas to keep up with a growing animal population alongside the increased number of guests visiting the zoo.
Does the zoo have any new programming on the horizon? If so, what kind?
I do not think it is an overstatement to say that our team sees its mission as saving the natural world, and we challenge ourselves to empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. Roger Williams Park Zoo leads several programs protecting native New England species, and we support international initiatives for others. Presently, we are drafting a conservation strategy to broaden significantly both the scale and scope of the programs and projects we undertake. As we foster more links from our zoo population to the wild, we plan to initiate scientific investigation … that demonstrates measurable positive impact on our animals’ wild counterparts and habitats.
